Since the release of the Libya Humanitarian Response Plan (HRP) in November 2015, IOM has continued to implement programs providing immediate and life-saving direct assistance to migrants, underpinned by a comprehensive plan to address the proliferation of smuggling and trafficking in persons, and the plight of migrants, internally displaced persons (IDPs) and local host communities. Since 1 January 2016, 18,882 migrants and refugees have arrived to Europe by sea, with 56 migrants reported as either missing or drowned. Over just four days in December, normally a month when fewer arrivals are happening, IOM registered more than 4,900 migrants. In the first days of December, the Italian coastguard rescued almost 2,000 migrants from 11 boats attempting to reach Italy. Most came from sub-Saharan Africa and set sail from Libya in rickety boats provided by smugglers. Globally, IOM is encouraging governments to take greater responsibility for collecting data on migrant deaths to ensure transparency and accountability. IOM Libya provided urgently needed humanitarian assistance to migrants rescued at sea, as well as those in migrant detention centres.

During January, IOM Libya responded with direct assistance, Humanitarian Repatriation and capacity building to local implementing partners in Libya help reach those in need. The Mission intensified efforts to help stranded migrants leave Libya and be reunited with their families through humanitarian repatriation. Training on the Displacement Tracking Matrix (DTM) system included protection and risk indicators and identification of vulnerable cases and referral mechanisms. IOM Libya is working with CSOs, international organizations and local authorities to implement the DTM system in Libya with the first DTM Report released this month. The information will allow partners to better plan co-ordinated responses while providing essential support to migrants in several key locations.